Campaigners who have been fighting plans for three wind turbines in the Radnorshire countryside are celebrating after the application was thrown out by council chiefs.

Powys County Council refused an application by REF Windpower, who wanted to build three 103.5m turbines at Pentre Tump, Llanfihangel nant Melan, near New Radnor.

The news has been welcomed by members of the Save our Scenery Radnorshire campaign group, who hailed it ‘an early Christmas present’.

The proposal comprised the three turbines as well as infrastructure comprising of vehicle access tracks, hard standing and other developments.

The company said the development would provide enough safe, clean, renewable electricity to meet the annual needs of around 2,390 homes, but the proposal was rejected by the council’s regulatory committee on Tuesday.

Andy Foster, of Foice Farm Boarding Kennels and Cattery and a member of the group, said he was delighted with the decision.

“We are so relieved and absolutely delighted with this Christmas present because it has been weighing on everyone’s minds here for so long,” he said.

“It was clear to all that this development was not wanted here as the residents, community councils and county council are all against it.

“Here we have tranquil hills and beautiful scenery like no other place in the country, and that brings tourists. These wind turbines would have completely ruined that.”

Mr Foster said the issue had been rumbling on for a number of years, with the first application being lodged 10 years ago.

He said: “It has been 10 years and the only reason the company modified the plans is because it now became a new application and we have to write in all over again and object.”

Mr Foster added that it has now been proved, following a case elsewhere, that windfarm applications do reduce property prices by about 25 per cent, but he said he has spoken to local estate agents and those further afield and they believe the effect could be as much as 40 per cent.

He added: “It is a real feeling of relief amongst myself and my neighbours this week. We are thrilled.”

John Evans, spokesman for Powys County Council, said: “The application was recommended for refusal by the planning department and members confirmed this.”

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